Spotlight The Real Life Behind The Blogger

Susan from Must Love Junk, and myself (Kris) Junk Chic Cottage wanted to do a regular feature on our blogs, something unique that hasn't been done before.   So we came up with an idea to 'spotlight the real life behind the blogger' in a more personal way.

There is so much talent and inspiration in blogland, and we thought it would be fun to bring you a closer look at the person behind the blog.

Every week on Saturday we will spotlight a blogger and have them tell us a little bit about themselves and their blogs.  You will be able to see and read about each of the bloggers on both Susan's and my blog. 

Saturday October 26

Marty: A Stroll Thru Life

I am so excited to introduce you to Marty from A Stroll Thru Life.  Marty did not think she was interesting enough for us to learn about her!!!! REALLY!!!!  Marty is one of the most interesting and talented bloggers out here in Blogland.  She is a DIY Queen, her styling is amazing and she hosts a beautiful linky party each week on her blog that I have to admit I am slightly addicted too!!!!
So sit back and enjoy learning more about Marty and her special family and life.

Hi everyone, my name is Marty from A Stroll Thru Life.  When Kris asked me to be part of her Behind The Blogger series, I wasn't sure I had anything interesting to tell you about me.  I mean, really, I love to talk and I hardly ever am quiet, but public speaking and talking about myself is not something I am very comfortable doing.  I started my blog after meeting and joining a wonderful group of ladies that were sharing some of their home decor ideas.  It was so fun to see their pictures and hear how they were changing and decorating their homes.  I finally decided to push that scary "publish" button and join the fun, and I am having a ball.

My blog shares my love of diy projects, crafts, sewing and thrift shopping. I love changing my vignettes and am constantly making new pillows and creating a new color scheme.  My husband (Jim) says the only way he's sure he's in the right house is that his key opened the door. lol  He's such a fun and supportive person, and truly the love of my life.  We were married on June 9th, l984.

I had been a single mom for many years and he had been a single dad, both of us had raised our children and really hadn't thought about remarrying.  Isn't it funny how God has other plans.  I lived in Bend, Oregon for 18 years and that is where I raised my children, he lived in Los Angeles his entire life, so the chance of us meeting was slim.  After my children were out of college, moved away and on their on, I needed to reinvent myself, seems like no one needed a mom on a day to day basis.  So I sold everything, put all my stuff in storage and headed south, I wound up in Los Angeles and went to work for a major Home Improvement chain. I didn't know anyone so this was really an adventure.

Most people find it interesting that I was a buyer for Lumber and Building Materials.  This was a fun and interesting job.  I was able to travel and tour many major companies seeing how they milled their lumber, manufactured their products and meet so many intersting people.  All of these companies were hoping I would buy their products to put in our company's stores.  It was fun to be wined and dined and treated to the best as they were trying to impress me with their products.  It wasn't all play, there were many, many hours of constantly comparing products, their specs, guarantees, brand acceptance and price.  This is where I met Jim, he had the office next to mine and as they say the rest is history.  Three years later we were married.  He was 42 and I was 44 and a brand new grandmother.

This is part of our clan.  I have a daughter and two sons and he has two sons and between us we have 12 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson and another expected in November.  We have been truly blessed.

We love to travel and enjoy seeing the world.  We sold our motorhome a few years ago, however we really enjoyed our many trips all over the US and had a ball taking some of the grandchildren with us.  Fun times and memories.

Last year for our 28th Anniversary, we went to Hawaii.  We stayed at a fabulous resort and had a wonderful view of the ocean.

Of course I headed for the beach before we even unpacked.

We loved exploring every nook and cranny of Maui and enjoyed the old plantations and gardens.

The luau was especially fun too.

  After 29 years we still have tons to talk and laugh about and love spending time together and with our children.  He keeps busy as a Master Gardener giving talks and classes all over the area.  He also had a local TV program for a few years.  I do some volunteer work for a few seniors in our area.  I shop, clean or cook as needed to help them with their daily routines.  They have become good friends and I look forward to our visits.

As you well know if you follow my blog, most of my spare time I am busy changing or creating something new for our home.  One day a room might look like  this - - -

and the next day this.  Making new pillows and swapping out accessories is my favorite pass time, or ----

I might be totally redoing a room from top to bottom like my latest project, the guest bathroom.  You can see that entire post here.

I love to visit all of you on your blogs and get inspiration from all of the links on my weekly party Inspire Me Tuesday.  I hope you will follow along with me and join all the fun.  Thanks for letting me share a little about myself.  I would love for you to follow me on A Stroll Thru Life.  Hugs, Marty.

Thank you Marty for sharing your beautiful life, beautiful family pictures and your gorgeous home with us.  I loved learning more about you.

Now you can jump over to Susan's blog and read about Sherry from No Minimalist Here.
Have a Wonderful Saturday
Kris :)